Slovakia
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Republic of Ireland

WNT: Perfect away performance ensures Slovak win

Republic of Ireland delivered the perfect away performance in Slovakia to make it two wins from two games in their FIFA 2019 World Cup qualifying campaign.

24th Oct 2017

First-half goals from Denise O’Sullivan and skipper Katie McCabe sealed an impressive 2-0 victory which sees Ireland claim maximum points ahead of next month’s trip to the Netherlands to face the European Champions.

16-year old Tyler Toland and Peamount United striker Amber Barrett made their first senior starts for the Women’s National Team as manager Colin Bell celebrates six points from six.

Slovakia dominated much of the ball throughout the game but Colin Bell’s Ireland were able to make much better use of their possession in the perfect away performance.

It only eight minutes to take the lead in Ireland’s first attack of the game. After a defensive error, Megan Campbell’s long throw caught Slovakia off-guard and Katie McCabe squared for Denise O’Sullivan to tuck the ball home from six-yards out.

Just past the half-hour, Ireland established a two-goal lead with another well-worked goal. Substitute Sophie Perry found space down the right to cross for Amber Barrett who touched the ball back for skipper Katie McCabe and McCabe’s low, deflected finish found the bottom corner.

The home side continued to dominate the ball after the break but Ireland’s excellent defensive display ensured a clean sheet for Manchester City goalkeeper Marie Hourihan. Ten minutes from time, Ireland should have scored a third when substitute Ruesha Littlejohn was held back in the area but keeper Maria Korenciova got down well to deny the Celtic striker.

WNT Head Coach Colin Bell said: “I’m very proud of the performance. The two moments of quality got us the goals but it was our hard work throughout the 95 minutes which got us the points tonight.

“It was always going to be a physical test for us but I thought we stood upto it brilliantly. You look across the entire game and they haven’t had a single goal-scoring opportunity and those defensive foundations are virtually important.

“It’s a great start to the campaign with the two wins over Slovakia and Northern Ireland so now we look to the Netherlands game next month and take that confidence into that game. It will be another tough game but we’ll look at it and try and come up with another winning strategy.”

Ireland WNT: Bell expecting 'toughest test yet' v Slovakia

Republic of Ireland Women's National Team Head Coach Colin Bell expects the 'toughest test' yet as his side prepare to face Slovakia on Tuesday.

23rd Oct 2017

The WNT arrived in Slovakia on Saturday ahead of the FIFA 2019 World Cup qualifier at the National Training Centre, Senec on Tuesday, October 24th with kick-off at 16.30pm (17.30pm local time).

The squad will be missing forward duo Stephanie Roche and Aine O'Gorman who both suffered injuries in the 2-0 win over Northern Ireland with the likes of Ruesha Littlejohn, Claire O'Riordan and Isibeal Atkinson called up to the squad.

Despite the injury problems, Bell is confident that the other players in the squad can step up and make their mark as Ireland look to claim maximum points from their first two games.

Bell said: "We've had a good journey across and it's good to get back on the pitch over here in Slovakia. Training has been really good and I'm seeing plenty of positive signs.

"We've got to be really organised and ready to face them as this is going to be our toughest match so far. We'll be missing the experience of Stephanie and Aine so we'll have to compensate for that.

"Whoever comes in has to be up for the test of these qualifying matches but I've been really impressed with what I've seen during the camp so I'm sure whoever plays will be up for it."

Slovakia suffered a heavy opening defeat in their qualifying campaign as top seeds Norway claimed a 6-1 win in September.

With Ireland looking to build on their opening win of the campaign, Bell believes Slovakia are a better side than the 6-1 scoreline suggests.

He added: "It will be a tough match especially after they lost their first game 6-1. It is a clear scoreline but the game was much different in reality.

"The scoreline didn't reflect the match, Norway just scored every chance they had in the first-half and they seemed to shell-shock Slovakia during that spell.

"But, Slovakia took over the game in the second-half and created plenty of chances, they showed they're a good side and that we need to be on top form to get the result.

"It will be physical. They've got to win so they've got to put us under pressure and we've got to be equipped to deal with that."